Gas trap and flow tank



June 15 1926.v E 1,588,861

J'. P. WALKER GAS TRAP ANDFLow TANK y Filed July 17; 1925 3 SheetS Sheet1 Il I ,n

5:! Iii 'il :gl il! |I| lll lll ZH/ 8 June 15 19.26.

,1. P. WALKER GAS TRAP AND FLOW TANK 4 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Filed July 17I 1925 `I-une 15 1926.

` J. P. WALKER GAS TRAP AND FLOW TANK 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 17 I1925 my, f

Patented June 15, 1926.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.,

JAY P. WALKER, or OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, AssIeNOR To AMERICAN TANKCOMPANY. OP OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, A CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA.

GAS TRAP AND PLOW TANK.

Application led July 17, 1925. Serial No. 44,248.-

This invention -relat'es to new and useful.

improvements in gas traps and flow tanks. The object of the inventionisto provide a tank for receiving oil and gas from a flowing or pumpedWell and thoroughly separating the Oil from the gas in an expeditiousofthe baiies lfor conducting separated oil to the oil compartment withoutmixing it with ini-lowing oiland gas.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for initiallyrobbing the inflowing iluid of oil, thus facilitating the` i separationby reducing the specific' gravity of the owing fluid.

Another object is to construct the fluid passages in the baffles so thatthe oil cannot ilow back through the same.

invention will be hereinafter described together with Aother features ofthe invention.

The invention will be more readily understood Jfrom a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to thel accom- ,panyingdrawings, in which an example of the invention is shovn, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged vertical sectional View of the upper portion of atank constructed in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the lower portion of said tank,

Fig. 3 is a reduced cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4`is a reduced taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of float Operating meansfor the oil release valve,

Fig. 6 isa plan view of the same,

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the release valve, and

Fig. 8 is a plan viewof the release valve.

A construction designed to carry out thel cross-sectional view,

In the drawings the numeral l0 designates an upright cylindrical metaltank having a crowned top 11 and a flat bottom 12, the shape andmaterial however being subject to variation. A short distance below-thetop, fluid inlet pipes 13 enter the sides of the tank at equi-distantpoints. A flat circular partition 14 is secured to the inner Wall of thetank just above the inlets. A cylindrical jacket 15'open at both endshas its upper end engaging in the partition so as to extend slightlyabove the latter to form a circular trough surrounding the upper end ofthe jacket. This jacket is mounted concentrically in the ytank and issurrounded by a restricted cylindrical space 16 closed at its upper endby the partition 14. l Each inlet pipe 13 discharges-into a box 17 openat Oneend and directed clockwise (Fig. 4) in the space 16. The iiuid-composed of oil and gas is directed circumferential around th'e innerwa'll ofthe tank to -which it 'is held by centrifugal force. In

the path of the luid and co-ordinated with the discharge end of the boxis an oil delectorin the form of an angle member 18 secured to the wallof the tank and extending below the jacket. These delectors catch `oi1will 'collect in the bottom portion of the tank. A conical baille 19 issecured in the jacket just below its transverse center. The baiie has aplurality of triangular openings 20 disposed radially, although theshape and disposition are Subject to variation, Each opening is providedwith a surroundthe oil as an initial step and conduct it down v It i ingflange 2 1 formed by welding or riveting i 4 or Otherwise attaching orturnin up a flange on the top of the baiile of su cient height to keepthe oil from flowing back down through the same triangular hole. `AnyOil passing through the Openings. is prevented passing back by theflanges and is carried down the inclined surface of the baille fromwhich it is conducted by a drain pipe 22 leading down to thel oilcompartment.

Above the transverse center of the jacket is secured a spiral baille 23which is inclined slightly upwardly from the center of the tank to theWall jacket. The oil laden gas strikes the baille 23v and is deflectedagainst the wall of the jacket while following the baille. Oil separatedfrom the gas falls into an annular trough 24 secured to the inner wallof the jacket and conducted therefrom by a drain pipe 25. The fluidpassino above the baffle 23 strikes-a secon-d conicf baffle 19 havingopenings 20 and flange guards 21. This baflleis above the jacket andoverhangs the trough. Short drain pipes 26 depend from the .baille 19into the trough and drain pipes 27 lead down from the trough into theoil compartment below the jacket.

At the center of the tank is an auxiliary gas outlet 28 which isnormally closed, but is used when an excessive volume of gas is passingthrough the tank. A vertical gas discharge pipe 29 extends from a pointabove the baffle 19 down through the baffles and jacket. Near the bottomof the tank the pipe 29 (Fig. 2) is bent atvright angles and directedthrough the side wall of the tank. This pipe is connected to a gasdischarge pipe 30 in which is connected a pres- :sure regu ator 31, ofsuitable construction and set to hold a predetermined pressure of fluidin the tank. The tank 10 has a disked false bottom 32 from which a drainpipe 33 leads. A. clean-out manhole 34 is provided in the side wall justabove the false bottom.

In order to maintain apressure in the tank, an oil level and anautomatic oil release are provided. In carrying out this feature anexterior float chamber 34 is provided. This chamber is supported byangular pipes 35 and 36 respectively, connecting the upper and lowerends of the chamber with the tank. The chamber has a boot 37 extendingfrom one side and a horizontal rock shaft 38 (Figs. 5 and 6) passesthrough the outer end of the boot. An arm 39 fastenedon the shaft Withinthe boot extends into the chamber and carries a float 40 on its end. Theshaft is rocked by the rise and fall of the float.

The shaft 38 has a clamp 41 secured on its outer end and a lever 42 isfastened in the clamp at substantially right angles to the shaft.-

Below the pipe 36 an oil discharge nipple 43 extends horizontally fromthe tank and connects in the side of a valve 44 which hasa dischargepipe 45 extending from its bottom. The valve (Fig. 7) has an interiorgage .46 provided with superposed seats 47,

the inner walls of the tank and directly in relatively between which theoil enters from the nipple. A double valve 48 of the balance typeengages upon the seats. The valve is lifted by a link 49 pivoted to ashort crank arm 50 carried by a rock shaft 51 in the upper end of thevalve housing. The valve housing has a tapered barrel 52, (Fig. 8)extending laterally from its top and housing the shaft 5l which projectsthrough packing glands 53 at the end of the barrel. The shaft 51 issubstantially parallel to the shaft 38 and carries a clamp 54 in which alever 5'5 is fastened. The lever 42 overhangs the lever 55 and ispivoted thereby by a bridle link 56 including a turn-buckle. 57 (Fig.2). It will bev seen that the lowermost position of the float 40controls the oil level in the tank. When the oil rises and lifts thefloat the shaft 38 is rocked, whereby the valve 48 is lifted by theoperation of the parts 49, 50, 51, 55, 56 and 42. This permits the oilto discharge through the parts 43, 47, 46 and 45 until the floatfalls toits normal position; whereupon the valve is closed.

Various changes in the size and shape of the different parts, as well asmodifications and alterations may be made Within the scope of theappended claims.

l/Vhat I claim, is:

1. In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, fluid inlets in thesides of the tank above its central portion, a jacket within` the tankspaced from the walls and top thereof, means 'having baffling surfacesextending vertically and transversely to the flow of the influent forextracting oil therefrom and located in the space between the jacket andthe inner walls of the tank and directly in the path 0f the influent,baffles in the jacket for separating the oil from the gas, a gas outlet,and an oil outlet.

2. In an oil and gas separator, a verticall tank, fluid inlets inthesides of the tankv above its central portion, a jacket within the tankspaced from the walls and top thereof, means having baffling surfacesextending vertically and transversely to the flow of the influent forextracting oil therefrom and located in the space between the jacket andthe path of the influent, baflles in the jacket for separating the oilfrom the gas, a gas outlet, an oil outlet, and means for draining theoil from the baflles.

3. In an oil and gas Separator, a vertical tank, fluid inlets in thesides of the tank above its central portion, a jacket within the tankspaced from the Walls and top thereof, means having baffling surfacesextending vertically and transversely to the flow' of the influent forextracting oil therefrom and located in the space between the jacket andthe inner walls of the tank and directly in the path of the influent,batlles ,I in the jacket for separating the oil from, the

' .having openings for upward passage of the fluid provided with meansfor preventing a reverse passage of the-oil therethrough.

4:. In an "oil and gas separator, a vertical' tank, fluid inlets in thesides of the tank above its central portion, a jacket within the tankspaced from the walls and top thereof, means having bafiling surfacesextending .vertically and transversely to the flow of the influent forextracting oil therefrom and located in the space between the jacket`and the inner walls of the tank and directly in the path of theinfluent, baffles in the jacket for separating the oil from the gas, agas conductor leading from a point above the jacket and from above theuppermost baffle toy and through the lower portion of the tank, and anoil outlet for the tank.

5. In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a jacketin the upperportion of the tank, there being a receiving space between the jacketand the tank sealed at its upper end, fluid inlets entering said space,means at the inlets for directing the influent circumferentially,vertical oil deflectors in said space directly in the path of saidinfluent, means co-ordinated with said deflectors for conducting oilextracted by said deflectors to the lower portion of said tank, bales inthe jacket and above the same, a gasconductor leading from above thebaffles, and an oil conductor connected te the lower portion of thetank.

6. In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a jacket in the upperportion of the tank, there being a receiving space between till) thejacketand the tank sealed at its upper end, fluid inlets entering saidspace, means at the inlets for directing the influent circumferentially,vertical oil deflectors in said space directly in the path of saidinfluent, baflles in the jacket and above the same, a gas conductorleading from above the bailles, and an oil conductor connected to thelower portion of the tank.

7. In an oil and gas separator, a Vertical tank, a jacket in the upperportion of the tank, there being a receiving space between the jacketand the tank sealed at its upper end, fluid inlets entering said space,lmeans at the inlets for directing the influent circumferentially,vertical oil deflectors in said space directly in the path of saidinfluent, baffles in the jacket and above the same, a gas conductorleading from above the baffles, an oil conductor connected to the lowerportion of the tank, and an automatically operated release valve in theoil conductor controlled by the-"level of the oil in the tank.

8. In an oil4 and gas' separator, a vertical tank, a cylindrical tankjacket within and spacedjfrom the side walls of the tank, said jacketbeing spaced a short distance below the top of the tank, a closurebetween the tank and.the jacket at the top of the space therebetween,fluid inletsJ in the tank below the closure and adjacent thereto, oildeflectors in the path of the influent in said space and located betweensaid inlets, baffles in the jacket, additional baffle in the space abovethe jacket and overlying the closure, a gas conductor extending from thespace above the additional baille to and through the lower portion ofthe tank, a pressure regulator in said conductor outside of the tank formaintaining a gas pressure in the tank, means for automaticallymaintaining an oil level in the tank and reducing the pressure area, andan oil conductor leading from the tank.

l 9. In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a concentric jacketmounted in the tank, a circular space surrounding the jacket, fluidinlets in the tank wall for delivering fluid into said space, deflectorsat said inlets directing the influent. crcurnferentially 1n said space,angular deflectors secured tov the tank wall in said space and extendingtransversely the'major portion of said space for initially separatingoil from the gas of the influent, transverse separating elements in saidtank and jacket, a gas conductor leading from the tank and having itsinlet above the baflles, and an oil outlet having a release valve formaintaining an oil level in the tank.

10. In an oil and gas separator, a Vertical tank, a concentric j acketlmounted in the tank, a circular space surrounding the jacket, fluidinlets in the tank wall, deflector boxes covering said inlet anddischarging from one end only, angular deflectors in said spaceextending below the jacket for separating oil from the influent andconducting it to the lower portion of the tank, transverse separatingelements in said tank and jacket, a gas conductor leading from the tankand havmg its inlet above the baes, and an oil outlet having a releasevalve for maintaining an oil level in the tank. l

' 11. In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a cylindrical jacketmounted in the tank, a Huid entrance space surrounding the jacket insaid tank, a plurality of transverse baffles in the jacket, drain pipesfor said baflles leading down to the lower portion of the tank below thejacket, a top bame extend-VV ing transversely of the tank above thejacket and the space, a drain conductor for'said top baille leading tothe lower portion of the tank, a gas conductor leading from above thetop and out through the wall of the tank below the jacket, and an oiloutlet atthe bottom portion of the tank.

' 12, In an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a cylindrical jacketmounted in the tank, a fluidentrance space surroundingjthe lago jacketin said tank, a conical perforated baille in the jacket, a drain pipeleading from the conical baille, a helical baille mounted in the jacketabove the conical baille, a

trough contiguous to the jacket Wall betweenl the conical and helicalbailles, a second 'drain pipe leading from the trough, a top conicalbaille in the tank above the jacket and space, a second troughsurrounding the upper end of the jacket, a drain from the top baille tothe second trough, a third drain pipe lead* ing from the secondtrough, agas conductor extending through the ballles and the side of the tank,and an oil conductor leading from the lower portion of the tank.

13. ln an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a cylindrical jacketmounted in the tank, a fluid entrance space surrounding the jacket insaid tank, a conical perforated baillle in the jacket, a drain pipeleading from the conical baille, a helical bail-le mounted in the jacket-above the conical baille, a trough contiguous to the jacket wallbetween the conical and helical bailles, a second drain pipe leadingfrom the trough, a top conical baille in the tank above the jacket andspace, a second trough surrounding the upper end of the acket, a drainfrom the top baille to the second trough, a third drain pipe leadingfrom the second trough, a gas conductor extending through the baillesand the side of the tank, and an oil conductor leading from the lowerportion of the tank, the conical bailles each having a plurality ofopenings each surrounded by a standing guard for preventing a liquidflowing back through the opening.

14. As a sub-combination in an oil and gas separator, a separatingbaille Jfor the tank,

said baille being conical in form and having a plurality of openingseach surrounded by an upstanding guard flange, a drain conductor leadingfrom the outside marginal portion of the baille.

l5. ln an oil and gas separator, a vertical tank, a cylindrical jacketmounted within and spaced `from the walls of the tank to provide a iluident-rance space therebetween, a plurality of transverse ballles in thejacket having their outer edges supported by the jacket and providedwith drains, a top baille extending transversely in the tank above andover the jacket and having a drain, ballles down through the lowerportion of the tank.

and an oil outlet at the lower portion oi' 55 the tank.

lin testimony whereof l aliix my signature.

' JAY P. WALKER.

